If you are similar to our family at all there are days when it is pretty difficult to break out of the cereal in a box or cereal bar rut morning after morning. Luckily, someone told me about being employed at Quaker oatmeal, where you can get hot Quaker oats at any time of the day, courtesy of the staff cafeteria. The way they work this magic is to cook the oatmeal in giant rice cookers, brilliant!
Sure enough, throw in the oats and water as directed on the back of the Quaker box, turn on your rice cooker and wait for the beep some 20-30 minutes later and you will be the recipient of perfect oatmeal. I do recommend making more than one serving; I usually make enough to bring it to work for myself and a friend, or for Diva and I to sit down and enjoy.
Add ins make it even yummier, cut up an apple in pieces, sprinkle some cinnamon, a little brown sugar and let all of that cook with the oatmeal in the cooker. It will all be just right when the timer goes off. Slice a banana, sprinkle in some chopped walnuts, cinnamon and maple syrup and you have banana bread oatmeal ready in no time.
Make sure to invest in a rice cooker with a delay timer. This allows you to throw in your oatmeal and water the night before, select the number of hours you want the cooker to turn on in, and then go to bed. You will awake to a delicious, healthy breakfast.
What suggestions do you have for making fast, healthy meals for busy families?
